All about peanut allergy in children

Serious and restrictive, peanut allergy affects children from an early age.How is this food allergy manifest?What is it due to?How to prevent it?We take stock with Ysabelle Levasseur, dietician-nutritionist.

Allergy or food intolerance, what differences?

It is first of all important to differentiate insolerance and food allergy, which can often be confused, as Ysabelle Levasseur recalls: "Intolerance can cause embarrassment and pain, but food allergy isIt an almost immediate reaction of the immune system after ingestion, contact or inhalation of the allergen food.Peanut allergy is a serious phenomenon that requires emergency management ”.In France, peanut allergy affects 1% of the population and is the most frequent allergies, with egg allergy and fish allergy.It appears on average around 18 months of the child, which often corresponds to the period at which the introduction of potentially allergenic food occurs.

What do we call peanuts?

Award is a tropical plant, mainly used for its seeds, peanuts, rich in protein.It is however in these proteins that there are components that can trigger strong allergies in some people.Awards belongs to the family of legumes, which are also part for example soybeans and lenses.

Nuts, nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts...What allergenic foods prohibited for the baby and the child?

If your child has an peanut allergy, you will have to adapt very quickly.This is indeed very restrictive, because it concerns a large number of food products, as Ysabelle Levasseur points out: "There are of course peanuts, dangerous for the child, but also potentially other oilseeds, like someNuts or hazelnuts.The other important element to take into account is peanut oil.This is often used for fries.So you have to be very careful.Aperitif cakes like curly for example, are also to be avoided ”.You can also find peanuts in pastries, cereal bars, or chocolate spreads.As for hull fruits, you will need to take stock with your allergist doctor.Indeed, nuts, hazelnuts, or almonds, can arouse an allergy.There are many allergenic foods containing peanut proteins therefore, but know that in France, the products are strictly regulated: "It is written on the packaging if the product contains peanuts (even traces).Do not hesitate to look at the ingredient lists before buying a product.»»

Causes: What is the peanut allergy due to?

As with egg allergy or fish allergy, peanut allergy comes from a reaction from the child's immune system vis-à-vis the peanut proteins.This type of allergy is often hereditary, recalls Ysabelle Levasseur: “Children whose parents are already allergic to peanuts are likely to be.Atopic babies and children, that is to say frequently subject to rashes like eczema, also have more risk of making allergic reactions.»»

Symptoms: How is a peanut allergy manifests in children?

There is a whole range of symptoms in food allergic reactions.Symptoms of allergy can be present on the skin, during digestion but, more serious, can also be respiratory: "There may be rashes like eczema or hives.Peanut food allergy can also go through influenza symptoms, such as flowing nose or sneezing.In terms of digestive manifestations, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain can affect the child.The most serious manifestations are respiratory: the child can have swelling (quincke edema) but also asthma and in the most dangerous cases, an anaphylactic shock which can cause large falls of tension, losses of knowledge, even the death.»»

Food allergic reaction to peanuts, what to do?

If peanut allergy manifests itself in a less virulent way in young children, you must not take an allergic reaction lightly, recalls Ysabelle Levasseur: "The allergic reactions are very fast.If the various symptoms appear, you must immediately contact a doctor or take your child to the hospital.If the peanut allergy is already diagnosed, your child and you will be equipped with an emergency kit, containing in particular an adrenaline syringe, to inject immediately in the event of anaphylactic shock.We must never forget that an allergic reaction is in any case an emergency.»»

Treatment: How to calm an allergy to peanuts?

In the case of a child allergic to peanuts, you will quickly make an appointment with an allergist doctor.This will quickly pose, via analyzes (skin tests for example, also named prick-tests) the diagnosis of an allergy.Unlike egg allergy or cow's milk, peanut allergy does not fade with age.There is also no treatments or means to alleviate its symptoms.This is why this allergy greatly influences the child's quality of life.

Accustom her child to live with her allergy

Living with an peanut allergy is far from simple, especially for children!At first, you will have to explain to him that he will not be able to consume certain foods, "explains Ysabelle Levasseur:" The best method is to explain in a simple and clear way to your child why he cannot consume certain foods.On the other hand, there is no point in scareing him and making him see this allergy as a punishment.You can also get help from a health professional, or a psychologist who will find the right words.»» La communication envers les proches de l'enfant est primordiale : « Vous devez mettre tout le monde au courant, car l'allergie à l'arachide est très violente.A loved one who ate a peanut and kiss your child can trigger the allergy!During a birthday snack, you must always contact the parents of the child who invites.At school, it is necessary to prevent the head of the establishment, in order to set up an individualized reception plan (PAI), so that it is never led to consume the food that triggers the allergy: canteen,School outings ...